That smoky, eyeshadowed stare; a cigarette drooping from his lip; the chain-draped biker jacket. As the transvestite scientist presiding over his spooky laboratory mansion, Tim Curry commanded the cult musical phenomenon of the seventies with a gloriously over-the-top performance.
His remarkable career spanned decades and an extraordinary range of roles—from a sincere and devoted butler to a chilling serial killer—yet he could make every character unmistakably his own.
Sadly, Tim Curry passed away today at the age of 80. A wonderfully distinctive performer whose presence, voice, and wicked sense of theatricality will be very much missed.
The Queen of Country has passed away today at the age of 80. A full life of music and philanthropy saw her write more than 3,000 songs and creating programs to improve education and literacy. Born in Tennessee she lived and worked her whole life in Nashville singing to a worldwide fan base. Though not a motorcyclist I found this super photo of her from the seventies astride somehow wheeled machine.
Some sad news today hearing about the passing of extremely talented singer songwriter Glen Hansard who died in a motorcycle accident today. He was a perfect foil to singer Markéta Irglová’s character in the 2007 film Once. Their palpable chemistry threaded through wonderful music is so good. We saw them at The Chicago Theatre in 2008 soon after their Oscar win earlier that year. A memorable performance. I’m gonna dig out that soundtrack for sure. RIP Glen Hansard (1970-2026)
Growing up in the seventies included the weekly sketch show. The Goodies, starring Tim Brooke-Taylor (the optimistic anchor), Graeme Garden (the logical one), and Bill Oddie (the energetic, wild one. Zany adventures galore including a giant kitten toppling over the Post Office Tower in London. Sadly Bill passed away today aged 85. He spend the majority of the past fifty years promoting nature, environmental issues, and ornithology. Do the funky gibbon!
A photo of a proud footballer astride his magpie coloured Harley Davidson on the green grass of St James Park in Newcastle. He played for Liverpool, Hamburg, England and Newcastle eventually becoming manager for the Toon Army in the 90’s recovering them from third tier relegation and getting them to prominence in the Premier League. Sadly Kevin Keegan passed away today at the age of 75. Along with Henry Cooper and Barry Sheene, Keegan was the face of sports in the 70’s for any English lad.
Seen on Ardmore and Artesian this red scooter is still in winterized storage. Ready to gas up, polish off and enjoy the City on. Spied by staff contributer Dean to keep blog content sated.
1968 Coppola, Caan, Duvall. An early piece of filmography from one of the west coast kids who would take on the 70’s with multiple blockbusters (Spielberg, Lucas and Coppola). In this film Robert Duvall plays a Nebraskan traffic cop who meets up with a wife running away from her husband. Gritty road movie. As we know James went to do The Godfather with FFC and Bobby on to both The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. RIP Robert Duvall (1931-2026). Solid actors actor, any film you see him in is a worthy watch.
Here’s fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta with his ‘f49 HD Owned somewhere in Brooklyn. His distinctive style was a benchmark for artists of the genre for the latter parts of the 20th century. Known as the Godfather of Fantasy Art his work adorned numerous sci-fi and fantasy book; motorcycle fuel tanks; posters and Lp album covers. Depicting scantily clad women and muscle bound men his striking work inspired many. Today would have been his 98th birthday. 02-9-1928 to 05-10-2010. His original art commands auction prices into the 7-figure range.
Wise words in the current misshapen world. Ogri, the leather jacketed, helmet wingéd, rocker who tears around on his caféd Norvin, was created by Paul Sample for Bike magazine in 1972. Sadly Paul passed this week and I also remember his book covers for Tom Sharpe’s hilarious works such as Blott on the Landscape, or Wilt. But Orgi with sidekick and bumbling Malcolm; ragged pup Kickstart; and on and off girlfriend Mitzi; is a long standing comic trove. RIP Paul Sample 1947-2026
Known for her early career as a French actress, singer and sex symbol Bardot came to define sensual femininity the world over. After retiring from the show business limelight she took on animal welfare as an activist, but later publicly outspoken beliefs were controversial putting her in a bad light.
Nice venture out into a lovely October Sunday afternoon. Blue skies over the autumnal leave of the trees lining Sheridan Road. Just what the doctor ordered.
“Aww she surely do moves me Hmm hmm, White light Watch that speed freak, watch that speed freak everybody gonna go and make it every week Hmm hmm, White heat”. Lou Reed
Fella at stop light on Ashland spied on my way home. Nice sounding motor with the round bug eye headlights.
I was moving up and down the aisles of a large parking lot today and saw this sweet Kawasaki. Super clean GPZ900 in red ‘n’ black. 7k on the clocks and all original. This is the original Superbike. I had one for several years in the oughts.
Spending a few days in The Big Easy for a conference which includes some traipsing around the balcony lined streets near Bourbon Street. Nice white Triumph Triple parked up waiting for some voodoo or such excitement.
geordiebiker.com 